JERSEY CITY AND BEYOND -- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this evening approved the controversial proposed natural gas pipeline that Spectra Energy plans to build through Jersey City and Bayonne into New York City. The announcement was made this evening by an aide to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy during tonight's city council caucus meeting.

Healy Chief of Staff Rosemary McFadden confirmed the city will file a lawsuit to block Spectra from breaking ground.

Healy is expected to release a statement on the decision this evening.